Crane NXT to improve counterfeit detection abilities via planned full acquisition of Italian inspection and detection firm Antares Vision
Summary
Crane NXT, the parent of currency and payments technology firm CPI, has signed definitive agreements to acquire a 30% stake in Antares Vision S.p.A. at €5.00 per share (about €120m). Following that purchase, Crane NXT will launch a mandatory tender offer in Italy for the remaining publicly traded shares at the same price with the intention to take Antares Vision private and delist it, making it a Crane NXT subsidiary.
Antares Vision is a global provider of inspection and detection systems and track-and-trace software aimed at preventing counterfeiting and improving supply-chain visibility. Crane NXT says the deal broadens its technology portfolio into growth markets such as Life Sciences and Food & Beverage. Antares Vision reported roughly €200m revenue in FY24 with an adjusted EBITDA margin around 15%, and its total enterprise value (including net debt) is about €445m.
Key Points
- Crane NXT will buy 30% of Antares Vision at €5.00 per share, for approximately €120m.
- A mandatory tender offer for the remaining shares will follow at the same price, aiming to take Antares Vision private and delist it.
- Antares Vision specialises in inspection/detection equipment and track-and-trace software to combat counterfeiting and improve product visibility across supply chains.
- The acquisition supports Crane NXT’s expansion into Life Sciences and Food & Beverage markets, aligning with regulatory and anti-counterfeit tailwinds.
- Antares Vision recorded ~€200m revenue in FY24 with an adjusted EBITDA margin of about 15%; total enterprise value is roughly €445m.
- Crane NXT’s CEO Aaron W. Saak highlighted the strategic fit: enhancing capabilities to secure, detect and authenticate customers’ assets amid rising regulatory demands.
Content summary
The article reports a definitive agreement whereby Crane NXT acquires a significant minority stake in Antares Vision and will proceed with a mandatory offer to buy remaining public shares at the same price. The move is framed as strategic — bringing inspection, detection and track-and-trace technology into Crane NXT’s portfolio to address growing anti-counterfeit and regulatory needs. Financials included give a snapshot of Antares Vision’s scale and margins, and Crane NXT signals intent to delist and integrate the company as a subsidiary.
Context and relevance
Counterfeiting and regulatory scrutiny are driving demand for inspection and track-and-trace solutions across pharmaceuticals, food and other regulated goods. Payments and currency technology firms moving into inspection/detection represent a cross-sector consolidation: security of physical currency and authentication of products converge around trust and traceability.
For industry watchers, this acquisition hints at broader M&A activity where compliance and anti-counterfeit tech are priorities. Expect potential product-integration opportunities between Crane NXT’s existing payments/currency tech and Antares Vision’s inspection and software capabilities.
Why should I read this?
Short answer: because a payments/currency tech player is snapping up a leader in anti-counterfeit tech — and that changes the game for anyone involved in supply-chain security, pharma, F&B or regulated payments. If you care about where inspection and authentication tech is heading (and who’s buying whom), this is a neat, quick snapshot of that shift.
Author style
Punchy: This is a strategic, tidy deal that lifts Crane NXT into high-growth compliance and anti-counterfeit markets. If you work in supply-chain security, regulated industries or payments technology, pay attention — the integration could create useful cross-sell opportunities and accelerate consolidation in inspection and track-and-trace solutions.